HP has released its new Priming Solution, which enables inkjet web press users to print on a broader range of media, including standard offset coated media that is not typically compatible with production inkjet technology.
Coatings used in offset papers are designed to repel water, including water-based inks used in high-speed production inkjet environments. This results in print-quality defects such as coalescence and issues with drying the ink at production speeds. The new priming solution addresses this challenge, allowing print service providers (PSPs) and book manufacturers to print on low-cost, coated offset stock without compromising print quality or productivity.
‘Customers and prospects considering production inkjet equipment want to print on a wide variety of media,’ said Aurelio Maruggi, vice president and general manager, Inkjet High-speed Production Solutions. ‘The new HP Priming Solution reinforces our strategy to offer choices to customers for expanded media options, while continually bringing to market new technology that helps our customers do more with their HP inkjet web presses.’
Available for the full HP inkjet web press portfolio, the first HP Priming Solution offers a matte finish that can provide a cost-effective coated-media solution and help increase the crossover points vs. traditional offset in both publishing and commercial printing.
Components of the solution include an HP-developed, aqueous-based priming agent for HP A51 Inks, engineered to work with the Epic PrimeCoat priming system from Epic Products International, an industry leader in developing custom priming and coating solutions.
HP’s media strategy also includes HP Bonding Agent for production on low-cost, uncoated offset papers, collaboration with leading paper mills on the development of inkjet optimised papers with ColorPRO technology, and the HP Media Certification Program for the identification of substrates compatible with HP high-speed production inkjet systems.
